Residents of Western Australia’s Geographe Bay were greeted with an impressive sight as a task group of five ships taking part in Navy’s Exercise OCEAN EXPLORER 2019 formed up in the bay to conduct briefings and preparations for the next phase of the exercise.

The Navy Meteorologists embarked in HMAS Canberra for Exercise OCEAN EXPLORER 2019 are equipped with highly-sophisticated computer and satellite technology, but they still use the humble helium weather balloon to help create a real-time, local picture of battle space conditions.

HMAS Canberra sails in company with HMA Ships Success and Newcastle along with three MH60-R Maritime Combat Helicopters, a MRH-90 Maritime Support Helicopter and a Royal Australian Air Force P8 Poseidon aircraft during Exercise OCEAN EXPLORER 2019.

Anti-submarine warfare capabilities have been showcased during Exercise OCEAN EXPLORER 2019, which is underway in the West Australian Exercise Area.

As part of the ADF’s ongoing commitment to the war in Afghanistan, RAN underwater medicine clinicians and doctors are deployed to this arid and rugged landscape, far away from the oceans where they usually ply their trade.

Midshipmen Jason Gilmore and Elizabeth Lewis on the bridge wing of HMAS Leeuwin.

While most people join the Navy directly from high school, university or as their first full-time job, two new officers in HMAS Leeuwin have come with many years of experience in the civilian workforce.